What is Intimate Hyperpigmentation and How Can You Treat it?

While hyperpigmentation is a common concern on the face and other areas exposed to the sun, it can also affect hidden or covered body parts. This condition also exists in the vaginal or intimate area, including the groin and the inner thighs. It can make people self-conscious, as well as contribute to lower self-esteem or quality of life.

What is intimate hyperpigmentation? 

Intimate hyperpigmentation refers to the discoloration or darkening of the skin in the vaginal or external genital area, the groin, and inner thighs. Generally, hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin or the pigment that gives the hair and skin color.

What causes intimate hyperpigmentation?

Several factors including aging, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations can trigger or contribute to an increase in pigment production. The intimate area, especially the groin, also has two opposing surfaces that rub or come into contact together. This creates constant friction, which can then lead to skin darkening. 

Tight clothing or undergarments can also create further friction that can contribute to the discoloration in the area. There is also the issue of the lack of air or ventilation, which restricts air from passing through the area. This can lead to darker skin or exacerbate the issue due to the buildup of moisture.

It is also worth noting that the groin and genital area have high concentrations of melanocytes or melanin-producing cells. For this reason, it is normal for these areas to be darker than the surrounding skin. The aging process can also cause skin changes over time in terms of color, texture, and elasticity. 

For further reading: How the Area Down There Changes Throughout Your Life

What can help treat intimate hyperpigmentation? 

At Cutis, we have a depigmentation solution specifically designed to correct, both in the short and long-term, the hyperpigmentation of the intimate areas. Dermamelan intimate is developed in collaboration with gynecologists and features a combination of active compounds that targets the conditions responsible for intimate area darkening.

How it works: The solution features a dual action: corrective and regulatory. It doesn’t just lighten or get rid of the pigment, but also tackles the root of the problem. It speeds up skin peeling and renewal, which lightens existing spots, and acts on the problem source to avoid their reappearance.

What does it involve:  The treatment involves two phases: an in-clinic treatment and a continuous treatment at home.

• Clinic treatment: This intensive depigmentation process is done by a physician in a clinic or medical setting. It involves cleansing the area and applying mesolips protector, dermamelan intimate peeling, neutralizing spray, and dermamelan intimate film.
• Home treatment: This regimen, specified by your physician, is to be continued at home. It involves the removal of the dermamelan intimate mask and peel, and applying an intimate gel and crystal fiber mask, and dermamelan intimate gel at night. 

Treatment areas include the: 

• Genital-perineal area
• Perianal zone
• Mons pubis
• Inner thighs
• Groin

What makes it unique: In just a single session, Dermamelan intimate corrects pigment imperfections, and provides an improvement in the quality, appearance, and turgidity of the female intimate area.

Is there any downtime:  After the in-clinic session, there might be some redness and a feeling of being sunburnt. Both are temporary and will subside after 24 to 48 hours. You may notice peeling around the third day and can continue for a week. The area may also feel sensitive at times, but recommended dermamelan post-treatment products can ease off these effects,

What results to expect: You can see improvements as early as one week. And in about four weeks into the treatment, you’ll see significant results as the pigment continues to lift and lighten over time. The treated area will look healthy, even, and luminous after just a single session.

Will the hyperpigmentation reappear: In areas with discoloration or dark spots, it is always likely for the pigment to reappear. It is ideal to follow and be diligent with your at-home treatment care routine to keep this from happening. 

Schedule a consultation

If intimate hyperpigmentation bothers you or is making you feel self-conscious, reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help.